Coe and Coventry are two-time Olympic champions — in track and swimming, respectively — and Samaranch is the longest-serving IOC member of the seven. The Spanish financier joined in 2001 when his father, also Juan Antonio Samaranch, left after 21 years as president.

Seven candidates vying for the International Olympic Committee presidency gathered at Ancient Olympia, where plans for a grand ceremonial opening were thwarted by rain. The election includes prominent figures like Sebastian Coe,